Drug interactions
Risperidone + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Risperidone and Tetrabenazine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Both also can cause parkinsonism, sedation and, rarely, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Risperidone and Tetrabenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Risperidone belongs to Central Nervous System; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QTc prolongation, together with additive dopamine antagonism or depletion.
What to do
Avoid the combination when feasible; if needed, check baseline and follow-up ECGs, correct electrolytes, and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Risperidone
- Ibutilide + Risperidone Contraindicated
- Risperidone + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Adagrasib + Risperidone Major
- Amiodarone + Risperidone Major
- Amisulpride + Risperidone Major
- Amoxapine + Risperidone Major
Other interactions of Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Risperidone with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Risperidone and Tetrabenazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Both drugs can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of torsades de pointes. Both also can cause parkinsonism, sedation and, rarely, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Risperidone and Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid the combination when feasible; if needed, check baseline and follow-up ECGs, correct electrolytes, and monitor for extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation.
What other medicines interact with Risperidone?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Risperidone with, for example, Ibutilide, Vandetanib, Adagrasib. The full list is on the Risperidone page.
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